If you’re also remotely into email e-newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various regarding this system, something that makes makers like you quit, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Above The Hollow Beehiiv…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the appropriate e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after virtually ten years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I moved every little thing over. Here’s why you could wish to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a clean interface and a faithful community of writers. Yet when it pertains to money making and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy theoretically, right? Like, a lot more presence, even more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re building a list … that you don’t possess.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Currently let’s chat cash. Every time somebody pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re filching just over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra money accumulates quick, particularly if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a company (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that moving your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name using their very own facilities. It’s clever. Like, actually smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No subscribers going away into the void. Also connecting my internet site was fine– okay, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s excellent. Really great.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently written e-newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping problem.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they actually want you to grow your target market. Surprising, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present customers bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Frustrations
This was one of the largest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that links you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of e-newsletter tools do not care regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Customized kinds, branding and Above The Hollow Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for most developers, it’s sufficient. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You obtain genuine understandings:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to open to acquire. Which kind of visibility? Priceless when you’re trying to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the weird side cases.
But right here’s things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based on individual feedback, which’s a really good sign.
The Bottom Line: Above The Hollow Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To keep full possession of your clients,
- To in fact make money without system charges,
- And to not battle with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
Then indeed, you should absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look in other places. However if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the common Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better monetization devices, no platform costs, and more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.